The origin of "twiddle your thumbs" is uncertain, but here's what we know:
* First recorded use: The earliest known use of the phrase dates back to the 17th century.
* Possible origins:
* Medieval times: Some theories suggest that the phrase originated from the practice of medieval knights twirling their thumbs while waiting for battle.
* Spinning: Another theory links it to the act of spinning yarn, where one hand would hold the spindle while the other hand would twiddle the yarn.
* Boredom: The most likely explanation is that the phrase simply reflects the common practice of people twirling their thumbs when they are bored or have nothing to do.
Meaning:
"Twiddle your thumbs" means to be idle or inactive, to waste time doing nothing of importance.
It's important to note that the phrase is generally considered to be informal and used in a humorous or light-hearted way.